BALLYMASCANLAN

In 1868, the parish of Ballymascanlan contained the following places:

"BALLYMASCANLAN, a parish in the baronies of Upper and Lower Dundalk, in the county of Louth, province of Leinster, Ireland, 3 miles to the N.E. of Dundalk, and 54 miles from Dublin. It is situated on the coast of the bay of Dundalk, on the banks of the river Flurry, which enters the bay at its north-west extremity. The eastern part of the district is hilly, and has abundance of limestone. Agriculture is the principal occupation of the inhabitants. A few are employed in the linen manufacture, bleaching, and fishing. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Armagh and Clogher, value £106, in the patronage of Lord Clermont. The Presbyterians and Roman Catholics have chapels in the parish. A castle once stood here, of which there are some remains. Here is a massive cromlech called the "Giant's Load," the upper stone of which is said to weigh thirty tons. Several Danish remains are found here. Mount Pleasant, the seat of Sir John McNeill, the eminent engineer, and Ballymascanlan House, are the principal residences.

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018